The festivals have a very religious significance in the life of the people of Karnataka. Some of the festivals which are celebrated in Karnataka are the Dussehra Festival, Pattadakkal Dance Festival, Makar Sankranti, Hoysala Mahotsava, Ganesh Chaturthi, Hampi Festival and Yugadi. Dussehra is the main festival of Karnataka.

The Pattadakkal
Dance Festival is celebrated every year in the month of January
in Pattadakkal, Karnataka. Pattadakkal was the ancient capital
of the Chalukyan Kings and a World Heritage Centre. Pattadakkal
is known for the delicately carved temples that represent the
North and South Indian architectural traditions. This dance
festival is organised by the Karnataka government to celebrate
the marvelous heritage of the temples in Pattadakkal. The 'Nrityotsava'
or the dance festival draws various famous dancers from all over
the world and is accompanied by a crafts fair.

The Makar Sankranti festival is also celebrated every year in the month of January in Karnataka, Maharashtra and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. This festival is celebrated as a day of goodwill and friendship on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). On this day, the sesame ladoos and sugar drops are distributed as a symbol to be generous and kind to everyone. The women wear new clothes, new glass bangles and hold get-togethers to share sweets and gifts. A new bride is given ornaments made of sugar drops and her new relatives are invited to meet and welcome her at a haldi kumkum celebration.

The Hoysala Mahotsava is a dance festival which is held at the Belur and Helebid. This festival is celebrated in the month of March. The splendid Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid are the perfect place to held this cultural festival.

Ugadi is considered as the New Year's Day in Kannada tradition. This day falls on the late March or early April and is celebrated all over Karnataka. On this day, the dinner is specially prepared and it starts with jaggery and neem leaves. This depicts that life is nothing but a bundle of joys and sorrows.

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. This festival is held annually in the month of September for about ten days. On the first day, the images of Lord Ganesha are installed and worshipped and on the last day these are taken in processions to be immersed in flowing water. It is a spectacular sight to see the sea front, packed with people.

The Hampi festival of dance and music is held in the first week of November. This festival is celebrated in the magnificent ruined city of Hampi. Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Music and dance programmes, drama, fireworks, puppet shows and spectacular processions are a part of this festival. The Karnataka state government organize this festival in order to recreate the grandeur of the ancient Vijayanagar empire and the olden days. Artists from every corner of India gather here to enjoy the beautiful splendor of the festival.

Dussehra is the main Hindu festival of Karnataka. Dussehra was celebrated for about ten days with extravagance by the rulers of Vijayanagar Empire. Later, this became a tradition and was celebrated with great joy. The festival was celebrated at Mysore Palace in Mysore where a Durbar was held for 9 days and on the 10th day a huge procession was taken out with decorated elephants and colorful folks. Today, this festival is still celebrated in Mysore with great pomp and show. In Mysore, Dussehra is celebrated as State festival and also known as
'Nadahabba', because of the special initiation taken by the Royal Family of Mysore in the festival celebrations. The festival is celebrated for 10 days and ends on the Vijaydashmi or Dussehra. The first six days are celebrated in the honor of goddess Saraswati. Eight day is dedicated to Durga and ninth day is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. On the 10th day, a
huge procession is taken out

with decorated elephants from the Mysore Palace and ends at Bannimandap. On this day the Mysore Palace is illuminated with lights. Majestic processions, a torch lights parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city of Mysore. Many cultural programs, sports events, poet's meet, food festival are also organized in the Mysore Palace.

The Karaga festival is mainly celebrated at the Darmaraya Temple in Bangalore. This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Chaitra, the first month of Hindu Calendar. This festival is celebrated in the honour of Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas,
the famous heroes of the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata.